The Football Forecast

Match Report: Portugal v Austria

Portugal were held to another draw after a frustrating goalless affair against Austria, as star man Cristiano Ronaldo has one of the worst nights of his career. The Real Madrid forward suffered a forgettable 90 minutes of football after hitting the woodwork from the penalty spot and having a goal disallowed for offside.

The first chance of the game went to Portugal’s Nani in the 13th minute. The Fenerbahçe winger found space on the left-hand side, opened his body and forced a save from Austrian goalkeeper Almer with his feet and Vieirinha volleyed the rebound from 30 yards out but it was another comfortable save from the man between the posts.

Ten or so minutes later, Portugal had another chance to take the lead as Guerrero played in Nani on the left wing, who slid the ball into the box – only for Ronaldo to put the ball wide from ten yards out.

Nani was the standout performer in the first half hour, as the former Manchester United man hit the post with a header in the 30th minute.

Austria went into half-time without having a clear-cut chance on goal and were lucky to be keeping it goalless, as the Portuguese could have easily been 2-0 up going into the interval.

Two minutes into the second-half and Austria had their first chance of the game as Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio had to get down to keep the scoreline as it was after a fierce volley from Stefan Ilsanker.

It was a bit of a bore affair for the next 25 minutes or so after that rear Austria chance until Portugal were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute as Ronaldo had been dragged to the floor by Hinteregger. Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post from the spot-kick and the Austrians were able to clear their lines. The 31-year-old forward has missed 4 of his last 5 penalties for club and country.

Just eight minutes later he finally hit the back of the net for Portugal, only for it to be called for offside. A header from Ronaldo beat Almer but a rightly-called decision prevented Portugal from taking the lead.

With little happening in the three added minutes of injury time, the game ended 0-0 between the two countries. This result means they go into their final game against Hungary on just two points after a 1-1 draw against Iceland in the first match. Whilst Austria are on one point after that draw, having fallen to a 2-0 defeat to the Hungarians earlier this week.